The grandeur of Bishnupur in the Bankura district of West Bengal can be ascertained by the presence of many beautiful temples featuring intricate terracotta ornamentation. Built mostly of brick & at times, of laterite, these magnificent temples are the mute spectator to Bishnupur’s glorious past.
Apart from the terracotta temples, Dalmadal Cannon is another highlight of Bishnupur. This 3.8 m long wrought iron forge welded cannon has a barrel with a diameter of 28.5 cm. Built by expert artisan Jagannath Karmakar, this historical canon with Persian inscriptions is located near Chinnamasta temple in Bishnupur and weighs 11,840 kg.
Tradition has it that Dalmadal Cannon was used by the Malla kings of Bishnupur to repulse the ruthless bargis (Maratha troops) under Maratha leader Bhaskar Pundit sent by Raghoji I Bhonsle of Nagpur in the 18th century. The marauding bands of Maratha cavalry came to be called bargis in Bengal.
Bhaskar Pundit and his twenty two generals were killed by Bengal Nawab Alivardi Khan while the former was plundering the people of Bengal.
No comments:
Post a Comment